Originally Posted by
tenacious_dog
I've been watching videos of the Ways & Means Committee and the Appropriations Committee meeting while I work during the day. I encourage anyone who is concerned about what's going on in Baton Rouge, and can find the time to do the same. Frankly, I'm impressed. Having watched these in the past, but only on a few occasions, I expected to see wrangling and arguments. There was none of that.
The meetings are straight forward and business-like. They are discussing long term solutions and how do you change the methods and things we've always done in the past so we don't end up in this hole again.
For instance, and I don't remember the names unfortunately, one legislator was testifying on his bill to channel revenues from oil and gas. His plan was to take funds in excess of the necessary departmental funding, which comes to about 500 - 600 mil, that normally goes straight into the general fund and dedicate it based on percentages to unfunded liability debt, roads and bridges construction (NOT DOTD SALARIES AND ADMIN), traffic flow construction projects (highways) and a couple of other things. That excess can be 300 - 400 mil when times are better. The plan is part of a series of bills to change how funds are spent and how the General Fund is funded. Because of the current crises, the bills provisions would go into effect in budget year 2017/2018. The methodology sounds a lot like how Texas and Oklahoma handle their oil & gas revenue.
A committee member spoke up and talked about the similarities to a bill he is introducing that has much the same intent but with some other key features. They went back and forth on how they might work together on a better, combined bill. The chairman encouraged them to get together and come up with something for the committee, but to do it quickly because they don't have a lot of time. The committee members, Dems & Repubs were good with the concepts.
One Ways and Means meeting was dealing with cutting department spending. The second in command of the Treasury told what they're looking at and how some things have already been cut 3 percent and that they were looking at how to pick up the additional 2 percent that is available. Apparently our constitution restricts cutting funding of constitutionally protected funds to a maximum of 5 percent in any given year, which is insanely low. Long term he said this 5% restriction had to be changed and opened up but that would take a vote of the people. Committee members discussed that various bills were addressing that point but may not be completed in the special session because of the complexity and time available but knew a change had to be done. And the changes to the constitution were essential. The Treasurer and a couple of committee members talked about a constitutional convention but that in the past that was always a non-starter. But now maybe it has potential in the not too distant future.
Bills are being discussed, clarified, amended and moved to the floor. It's fast moving and for government, kind of intense. Like I said, I've been encouraged by what I saw and thought it was worthwhile to pass on.
Again, if you're interested, you ought to find time to watch some of these committee meetings.